Rodger Edson Terwilliger

Staff Sergeant Rodger Edson Terwilliger was born on Januarry 19, 1942 to Mr. and Mrs. Orin S. Terwilliger. Rodger attended Adams Elementary and Ypsilanti High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan, but graduated from Littleton High School in Littleton, Colorado. He worked for the Martin Aircraft Company in Denver, Colorado before entering the Army in 1961.

Sergeant Terwilliger began his tour of duty in South Vietnam on February 4, 1966 serving as an Intelligence Analyst with the 246th Psychological Operations Company, 6th Psychological Operations Battalion, United States of Army Republic of Vietnam Special Troops, Army Headquaters Area Command. Rodger was killed on October 15, 1966 when the vehicle he was riding struck a mine.

Rodger Edson Terwilliger is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, his father and his step-mother, a brother, six step-brothers, and four step-sisters. He lived 24 years, 8 months and 26 days. He is resting in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, Section 13, Site 16284. Rodger's name is listed on the Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti Township under Ypsilanti. His name also appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 11E Line 078.

The Wall rubbing by John Kinzinger

Phillip MitchellFellow recruit, Basic TrainingEverett, WA 98203 USAI met Rodger Terwilliger at Ft. Ord, CA, in August of 1961. We were in the same Training Company (B/5/1!). He was an individual you could take a liking to immediately, and we all did. I have a group photo of our Basic Training Co. with Rodger grinning like a Cheshire cat. If any of Rodger's family would like this photo I would be happy to send it to them. Please, if there is a way for someone to contact them, pass this message to them? Thank you. I will be paying my respects to Rodger at the Wall in July. God bless all who served!Friday, June 29, 2001